CSK vs MI Highlights - IPL 2025 | Chennai Super Kings Triumph Over Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025

Ravindra, Noor Shine as CSK Trump Mumbai Indians in Season Opener at Chepauk

Chennai Super Kings kicked off their IPL 2025 campaign with a thrilling 4-wicket win over Mumbai Indians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, with Rachin Ravindra and Noor Ahmad scripting a memorable performance in front of an electrified Chepauk crowd.

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Rachin Ravindra takes #CSK to a win over #MI with a brilliant maximum ????

Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/QlMj4G7kV0#TATAIPL | #CSKvMI | @ChennaiIPL pic.twitter.com/rVjsGQOHyD

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 23, 2025

After opting to bowl first on a dry Chennai track, CSK bowlers stuck to a well-laid plan. Khaleel Ahmed set the tone early, dismissing Rohit Sharma for a duck in the very first over. It was a tame flick straight into the hands of Shivam Dube that saw Rohit walking back without opening his account—a third straight IPL dismissal against Khaleel.

Mumbai’s top order crumbled quickly, with Rickelton falling to a poor shot selection, chopping one onto the stumps. Will Jacks briefly offered resistance but was undone by Ashwin’s guile. Suryakumar Yadav tried to stabilize the innings with a 29-run knock but became a victim of Noor Ahmad's clever variation and Dhoni's lightning-fast glovework. Once SKY was stumped, MI’s innings spiraled.

Noor Ahmad turned the screws further with a brilliant spell, picking up four wickets, including Tilak Varma and Robin Minz in quick succession. His control and deception left Mumbai clueless, and he was instrumental in breaking their middle order. By the end of his four overs, Noor had figures of 4 for 18, marking his arrival in the yellow jersey with authority.

Despite late cameos from Deepak Chahar and Naman Dhir, who struck a few lusty blows, MI could only manage 155 for 9 in their 20 overs. Khaleel Ahmed finished with a clinical 3-wicket haul, while Nathan Ellis and Ashwin provided strong support.

In response, CSK’s chase had its moments of turbulence, but it was Ruturaj Gaikwad who lit up Chepauk early. The new CSK captain was in vintage form, blazing his way to a 26-ball 53 with six fours and three sixes. He took the attack to Boult and Chahar, putting CSK in firm control during the powerplay.

However, Vignesh Puthur, on IPL debut, had other plans. He removed Gaikwad and then went on to dismiss Shivam Dube and Deepak Hooda in a game-changing spell. From 78 for 1, CSK suddenly found themselves struggling at 107 for 4. Will Jacks also chipped in by bowling Sam Curran through the gate, giving MI a sniff.

But in the midst of a wobbling chase, Rachin Ravindra stood tall. Fresh from his exploits in the Champions Trophy, Ravindra delivered under pressure again. His unbeaten 65 off 45 balls was laced with poise and power. He handled MI’s spinners with calm and then exploded towards the end with three towering sixes against Puthur and Santner.

The defining moment came in the 19th over when Ravindra smacked Santner over mid-wicket for a six to seal the win with five balls to spare. His composure and clean hitting not only rescued CSK from a mid-innings collapse but also gave them a perfect start to the season.

MS Dhoni, in what could be his final IPL season, walked in with the game nearly in the bag and played spectator to Ravindra’s finishing act. Earlier, he showed he still had lightning in his gloves with that stumping of SKY that swung the momentum decisively.

This match was also a reminder of Chepauk’s enduring influence. The surface helped spinners, demanded smart batting, and rewarded disciplined bowling. Noor’s four-wicket haul was straight out of the Chepauk textbook, while Ravindra’s knock was a modern masterclass on adapting to spin and pressure.

While Mumbai showed moments of spark, especially through debutant Puthur and the finishing burst by Chahar with the bat, they were undone by a better-rounded CSK outfit. With Dhoni still pulling strings behind the stumps, Gaikwad leading confidently, and Ravindra proving his all-round prowess, CSK’s blend of experience and youthful energy looks sharp this season.

As fans erupted in unison after Ravindra’s final six, it was clear that IPL 2025 has begun in style—and CSK have thrown the first big punch.

Key Performances and Moments

• Noor Ahmad's Dream Debut: The young spinner's 4-wicket haul was instrumental in restricting MI to a modest total. His ability to deceive batsmen with variations proved pivotal.​

• Gaikwad's Explosive Start: The CSK skipper's aggressive batting in the powerplay dismantled MI's bowling attack, providing a solid foundation for the chase.​

• Ravindra's Composure: Handling the pressure of a chase, Ravindra's unbeaten knock highlighted his temperament and skill, marking him as a player to watch this season.​

• Puthur's Notable Debut: Despite MI's loss, Vignesh Puthur's three-wicket haul showcased his potential and provided MI with crucial breakthroughs.​

Looking Ahead

CSK's victory at home sets a positive tone for their IPL 2025 journey. The blend of experienced campaigners and young talents like Ravindra and Ahmad offers a balanced squad poised for challenges ahead. Conversely, MI will need to reassess their strategies, especially their batting depth and handling of opposition spinners, to bounce back in upcoming matches.

Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians, 3rd Match – IPL 2025
MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai – 23 March 2025

Mumbai Indians: 155/9 (20 overs; Tilak Varma 31, Suryakumar Yadav 29; Noor Ahmad 4-18, Khaleel Ahmed 3-29)
Chennai Super Kings: 158/6 (19.1 overs; Rachin Ravindra 65*, Ruturaj Gaikwad 53; Vignesh Puthur 3-32)

Result: Chennai Super Kings won by 4 wickets